We’ve been hearing a lot lately about the power of walking. It’s been said to help fight the impacts of mental illness and heart disease but did you know that it can also help you connect to your neighbours and neighbourhoods through exploration and storytelling?

That’s the simple idea behind Jane’s Walk. Jane’s Walk is a movement of free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs. The walks get people to tell stories about their communities, explore their cities and connect with neighbours.

If you’re truly ready to explore your city and become more connected to it, the below Jane’s Walks are for you.

Bringing Water Back to Bradley: Walk with artist Erika De Freitas Date and Time: May 6th, 2 to 4 p.m.Location: Bradley Museum (see location)About: Artist Erika DeFreitas conjures up the insights, thoughts and contemplations of connecting Lake Ontario and the 187 year old Bradley House with a temporary site specific installation.

Cemetery Lantern WalkDate and Time: May 6th, 5 p.m.Location: Springcreek Cemetery, meet at the Gate. (see location)About: Come for a walk-and-talk to learn about the lives, deaths and loves of past Clarkson residents and how they were laid to rest. Learn the meaning and nuance of rites and ornamentation of various periods.

YIMBY (Yes, in my Backyard)
Date and Time: May 7th, 2 – 4 p.m.
Location: Meet in the small parkette at south-east corner of Dundas and Hurontario. (see location)
A speculative walk through the Mississauga that was, the Mississauga that is, and the Mississauga that will be.

Remembering Meadowvale and Listening to the Lake
Date and Time: May 14th, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: Meadowvale Community Centre (see location)
A poetic recalling of the past and living heritage of Meadowvale. Share and learn the views and vistas in, around and upon beautiful Lake Aquitane.

Exploring Culture and the Living Cemetery in Mississauga
Date and Time: May 27th, 10 a.m. – noon
Location: The Streetsville Public Cemetery (see location)
Urban cemeteries are spaces of memorialization and cultural value. Explore the cultural expressions of memorialization in the silent city, to understand how death takes up space and place in our communities.

The City of Mississauga’s second Poet Laureate was introduced to City Council earlier today and his first public appearance has been confirmed.

Wali Shah, a resident and student at the University of Toronto Mississauga will assume the role of Poet Laureate from the City’s first honorary Poet Laureate, Anna Yin this week.

Shah is a 22-year old spoken word poet and TEDx speaker who has performed with international recording artists including Selena Gomez and Kendrick Lamar. He will perform for the first time as Poet Laureate during the City’s Canada Day celebration on July 1 at Mississauga Celebration Square.

Nominations for the City’s top poetry post opened at the end of January. To be considered, candidates had to meet the following criteria:
• be a published poet or spoken word artist;
• be a current Mississauga resident;
• have an established body of work or have been recognized for notable contributions to the literary arts;
• some of their work should be relevant to Mississauga and/or subjects that reflect the life of the city; and
• have the ability to represent the values of the City in a professional manner.

“Wali’s selection as Poet Laureate makes a statement about the arts in Mississauga,” said Paul Damaso, Director, Culture Division, City of Mississauga. “Like Wali, our arts scene is young, cool, and emerging with unlimited potential. Wali is the perfect Poet Laureate for our City and he’ll do a fantastic job with championing and raising the profile of literary arts and spoken word across Mississauga and beyond.”

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – The Mississauga Arts Council is thrilled to announce the 23nd annual MARTYS!

“This is the biggest and best arts connecting, networking and awards celebration of the year!” – Brian Crombie, President of the Board of Directors of MAC

2017 will mark the 23rd year of recognizing local emerging and established talent within the arts in Mississauga via the MARTYS; the Mississauga Arts Awards.

Monday April 17 was the last day to send in MARTYS nominations! Thank you to all of the nominators who sent in all the information that was necessary on time! We have a roster of fantastic nominees, the judges will definitely have a hard time deciding the finalists.

This year the Mississauga Arts Council has brought an air of exclusivity to the MARTYS like never before. By establishing some changes to the rules and guidelines, MAC has elevated the MARTYS into a highly coveted award. The most significant changes to the MARTYS rules and guidelines were:

Self-nominations are no longer accepted

Nominees may only be nominated in one category

5 finalists will be featured in the MARTYS program

During this year’s MARTYS, MAC will unveil a brand new, distinctive, crystal award that will be a sought after and cherished prize for anyone in the arts. Designed by Crystal Sensations, the people who created Canada’s Juno award, this unique piece will remain the same for years to come, establishing recognition as the highest arts award available in our city.

“It is with great pleasure and pride that we have accepted the responsibility to create and manufacture the Mississauga Arts Council MARTYS Award” – Jerome Bacchus, Vice President of Crystal Sensations

“We’re excited about this year’s new award, honouring the Festival of the Year, as judged by the Mississauga News. It’s especially timely as Mississauga has just won the award for being the best festival city in Ontario!” – Ron Duquette, Producer of the MARTYS

For the last two years the Mississauga Convention Centre has graciously hosted the MARTYS providing an elegant venue, delicious food and exceptional service. Red carpet reception starts at 5:30 p.m. Doors Open at 7:00 p.m.

We have an amazing line-up of entertainers including previous MARTY winners like David O’Hearn’s pop rock band, Time Trip, sweet jazz stylist Arlene Paculan, young opera star Anna Wojcik and award winning dancers and instrumentalists to entertain along with a special surprise guest!

“We hope you join the popular movement to recognize excellence in the arts and help turn Mississauga into a creative city.” – Mike Douglas, Executive Director of MAC

MARTYS Tickets can be purchased at the office, online at www.mississaugaartscouncil.com/martys or by calling 905-615-4278. Ticket prices are $75 for members, $90 for non-members and $700 for a table of 10. Please note: tickets will not be sold at the door.